Anybody have any opinions on use of IUDs?

Jamie - posted on 11/20/2009

I had one and never had a problem with it, got pregnant with a couple days of having it out though lol

Carolyn - posted on 11/20/2009

I have had my IUD for about a year and half now and it's working for me. But it has been causing acne for me and I hardly ever have any desire for sex any more. About 6 months ago I had really bad pain in my abdaman and I had an infection from my IUD. Dr. said that they are not sterile and bacteria traveled up the string. Took anibiotics and doing find now. I still have my IUD and my periods are normal. Before I had my IUD I use to have really heavy periods now they are very light. So it takes different effects on people so if insurance covers it then go for it and try it. If your not happy with it then get it taken back out

Sheena - posted on 11/20/2009

I have had mine for 4 years and I love it. I have mirena. Next year when its time to take it out I have already told my doctor I want another one put in the same day. =)

Gina - posted on 11/20/2009

I had Mirena for 4 years and did not have any problems with it. I recommend it. I spotted for a couple of months in the beginning but after that I did not have a period at all. My husband did complain that he did feel the strings and I went back to the doctors office and had them cut shorter.

Shannon - posted on 11/20/2009

Hello,

I've had the Mirena IUD for a little over a year now and I must say it has been the best option for me! My periods use to be extremely painful and heavy. Since I've had my IUD my periods only last about 3 days and it's usually so light I only need a pantyliner...it's the best thing I've ever done!! I've not had any complaints although it does take your body time to adjust, but nothing major has occured since I've had it.



Good Luck to you!:)

Gladys - posted on 11/20/2009

I work at a gyn office and iud's are a great form of birth control,there is the (mirena iud)good for 5 years,the other is (paraguard iud)good for 10 years. We have a few of our pt's using the iud due to unable to remember pills or are perimenopausal or not done having children.

Raquel - posted on 11/20/2009

I LOVE IT! Nuff said ;-)

Jenny - posted on 11/20/2009

I had a copper IUD for 5 years. I took it out when ready for my second child and was pregnant within days. So based on my experience, I would recommend it but it will affect all women differently of course. If I didn't get a tubal ligation I would have another one.

Stefanie - posted on 11/20/2009

I love my IUD! There is a lot that can happen to complicate things,(sliding through your uterus, feeling for both you and your partner) but if all goes well and stays well, it's the best you could have!!

Andrea - posted on 11/20/2009

This method is definately not a form of an abortion, to my knowledge it stops the sperm from ever reaching the egg! It's a small metal or plastic T-shaped looking thingy, that is inserted just inside the cervix to block the philopian tubes. As long as your cervix is normal i'm sure you should be just fine with it! :)

Amie - posted on 11/20/2009

I had the copper one...and I HATED it. it gave me HORRIBLE periods for 8 days every other week. and I guess that isn't normal so i had to get it taken out. I have heard good things about it from other peopl though...it just didn't work for me...it was nice not to have to remember to take birth control though haha.

Tiffany - posted on 11/20/2009

i considered it after my second child, seemed perfect but when i asked the dr questions about it i decided not to, and thank god i did because i concieved my youngest daughter 3 days later... the dr explained that if i were to get pregnant while i had it that either it would prevent the baby from attaching itself to the uterine wall and if the baby was able to attach itself that when they removed the iud it would kill the baby, i myself was not comfortable with this idea at all. not only that, i didnt trust my husband very much at the time and if u were to contract an std while u have it, it would make you deathly sick!!! i was very concerned about getting it and if had decided to get it anyway, my baby girl would probably not be here today. hope this helps!

Chasity - posted on 11/20/2009

i have the mirena and i absolutely love it. i do not plan on having anymore kids in 5 years so its great to me. i mean when i first recieved it, i did spot for like a month and a half with the cramping and all. but thats the first step they say happen. if ur tough enough to give birth then trust me the side effects of the IUD is nothing.

Kate CP - posted on 11/20/2009

Quoting Timbrel:

i think it is a form of abortion. because what happens is the egg is actually fertilized and when it goes to implant itself in your cervix it is split in 2 killing the child

No, that is not how an IUD works. An IUD works by making the uterine lining an inhospitable place for a fertilized egg. It never gets the chance to implant and thus is passed through cervical mucus. About two weeks later most women will have their period.

I will say it again, you are not considered pregnant until the egg implants itself into the uterine lining. 

Kate CP - posted on 11/20/2009

Quoting Stephanie:

Quoting Kate:

Quoting Suzanne:

If you believe that life begins at conception, it is a form of abortion.


Actually, conception does not occur until the egg has implanted into the walls of the uterus. You are not pregnant until that point. End of story. There is no wiggle room here. You cannot abort a fetus when it hasn't even implanted in the uterine wall.



What about ectopic pregnancies then? It's still a pregnancy and not in the uterine wall. I do believe that fertilized is fertilized. Whether it's implanted somewhere or not. Yes, I've used an IUD and it worked well. I also knew that there was a chance I had my egg fertilized and by having that IUD I chose not to have that baby. I am very pro life... now. I didn't fully understand the IUD when I had it placed. Now I do. As well as it worked, I can never in good conscious, use one again.

An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive it's implantation because it is outside the uterine walls. However, it is implanted in uterine LINING which has grown outside of the uterus (endometriosis). While your body may begin producing hCG it is not a viable pregnancy and must either be removed or transplanted.

If you believe "fertilized is fertilized" do you know how many miscarriages you have had? Probably in the hundreds, I would guess. Many many times an egg is fertilized but fails to implant for a number of any reasons. That would be considered a miscarriage for you, right? In the medical community it's considered a "missed miscarriage" meaning the pregnancy never started and hCG was never produced. 

Jessica - posted on 11/20/2009

Split in two??? Where are you finding this information????!

Ugh...

Timbrel - posted on 11/20/2009

i think it is a form of abortion. because what happens is the egg is actually fertilized and when it goes to implant itself in your cervix it is split in 2 killing the child

Melanie - posted on 11/20/2009

I just got mine taken out last week. I great if you can wait like a month or two for the spotting to stop. I didn't spot that long. My husband could feel but it was only until the strings soften. I had no problems other then when I did heavy cleaning. I mean like the whole house in one day I would get a little bit of cramping. But other then that it was great for me. The only reason I got it removed was because my husband and I want to have another baby soon, I had mine in for two years.

Stephanie - posted on 11/20/2009

Quoting Kate:

Quoting Suzanne:

If you believe that life begins at conception, it is a form of abortion.


Actually, conception does not occur until the egg has implanted into the walls of the uterus. You are not pregnant until that point. End of story. There is no wiggle room here. You cannot abort a fetus when it hasn't even implanted in the uterine wall.



What about ectopic pregnancies then? It's still a pregnancy and not in the uterine wall. I do believe that fertilized is fertilized. Whether it's implanted somewhere or not. Yes, I've used an IUD and it worked well. I also knew that there was a chance I had my egg fertilized and by having that IUD I chose not to have that baby. I am very pro life... now. I didn't fully understand the IUD when I had it placed. Now I do. As well as it worked, I can never in good conscious, use one again.

Jessica - posted on 11/20/2009

Quoting Katrina:

i have a mirena iud and i absolutely love it!! it's uncomfortable to have placed but i havent had a menstrual cycle since november 2006 aside from some spotting here and there and i dont have to remember pills or spend any money on additional prescriptions. plus i got a blood clot a few yrsback from the nuvoring and cant have hormonal birth control... i highly recommend the iud

Uhm, I just have to ask... you do know that Mirena is a progesterone-releasing IUD?  I thought I read that you couldn't have a hormonal contraceptive....

Not arguing, just struck me as odd.

Hey, if it works, it works! :)

Katrina - posted on 11/20/2009

i have a mirena iud and i absolutely love it!! it's uncomfortable to have placed but i havent had a menstrual cycle since november 2006 aside from some spotting here and there and i dont have to remember pills or spend any money on additional prescriptions. plus i got a blood clot a few yrsback from the nuvoring and cant have hormonal birth control... i highly recommend the iud

Amanda - posted on 11/20/2009

I have a copper IUD and think it's fantastic. The chances of it failing are smaller (nothing is 100% though, as we all know), no pills to forget, totally can't feel it once it's in. It kinda sucks getting it put in though but it's no worse than a pap. Best part for me was that there was nothing to be secreted into my breast milk when I was still nursing so I could continue to give my baby breast milk and have sex without concerns LOL.

Stephanie - posted on 11/20/2009

I loved mine!!! Ask you OB/GYN go for it!

Jessica - posted on 11/20/2009

I HAVE HAD MINE FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND LOVE IT! THE ONLY THING IS WHEN YOU FIRST GET IT YOU BLEED FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, FEEL SOME CRAMPING AND BAD PAIN, WELL I DID, AND YOUR PARNTERN MAY FEEL IT A LIL! BUT KNOW WE HAVE NO PROBLEM AND I LIKE IT! MINE IS THE MERINA(5) BUT MAKE SURE YOU GET IT CHECKED EVERY YEAR!

Allie - posted on 11/19/2009

I personally LOVE mine. I love the fact that I don't have to think of birth control on a daily basis.

It took about 15 min or less at the doctors office to put in. I still got periods for a few months, now I don't have any (another plus in my book). I had trouble with the "full strenght" birth control pills and ended up pregnant on the low dose. So far I've had no problems with the IUD.

Hope it helps!

Kate CP - posted on 11/19/2009

Quoting Suzanne:

If you believe that life begins at conception, it is a form of abortion.

Actually, conception does not occur until the egg has implanted into the walls of the uterus. You are not pregnant until that point. End of story. There is no wiggle room here. You cannot abort a fetus when it hasn't even implanted in the uterine wall.

Tracy - posted on 11/19/2009

I only had one child when I got my IUD and was only 22 at the time.

Tracy - posted on 11/19/2009

I have had a copper t (non hormonal) one for over three years and sometimes it seems like my periods can be heavy at times but other than that no problems here! I could never take birth control pills and its great knowing that there can't be any accidents!

Penny - posted on 11/19/2009

i have had this form of birth control for 2 years now and have finally had enough. not only do you bleed all the time,it can get lost,sex gets worse and worseand your period cramps are like labor most times. and yes once the spotting stops you are never sure if you are pregnant or not cuz the hormones make you feel just like you are. i have spent most of the time with this wondering if i was pregnant or in pain. but everyone is different

Angie - posted on 11/19/2009

I had and IUD put in after I had my baby in April. I've had it in for about 5 months. I only spotted and then gradually had lighter periods, eventually turing into having no period at all. Sometimes I get crampy feeling if I move a certain way. The string can be uncomfortable sometimes, You could try it and see if it's for you, if not, have it removed. I do love the fact that I don't have a period or have to worry about birth control.

Jessica - posted on 11/19/2009

Quoting Suzanne:

Quoting Tori:

Quoting Jessica:

Quoting Krista:

IUD's don't prevent pregnancy, they prevent the completion of pregnancy. The reason women experience irregular/excessive bleeding is because IUD's irritate the lining of the uterus which is what prevents a fertilized egg from becoming attached and coming to completion. IUD's are an abortificant NOT a preventative.

i'd love to see your credible medical source on this

 

 

I agree! Not once have I EVER heard that, & I looked into it because I myself am pro-life. If I so much as thought it was anything close to abortion I wouldn't have gotten it.

Ladies:  I don't know what it takes to be your 'credible' medical source, but here are a couple that are copied straight off the web, non-pro-life sources, when I Googled "iud contraceptive."

From:  WebMD.com

 

How it works

Both types of IUD prevent fertilization of the egg by damaging or killing sperm. The IUD also affects the uterine lining (where a fertilized egg would implant and grow).

LNg IUD. This IUD prevents fertilization by damaging or killing sperm and making the mucus in the cervix thick and sticky, so sperm can't get through to the uterus. It also keeps the lining of the uterus (endometrium) from growing very thick.

From: Epigee.org

How Does it Work?
Both types of IUDs primarily work in the same fashion: by preventing the fertilization of an egg. While experts aren't exactly sure how, it is suspected that the IUD alters the movement of an egg or sperm making conception difficult. However, ovulation still occurs when you use an IUD.

IUDs that contain hormones also work by thicken a woman's cervical mucus thereby creating a natural barrier to sperm. As well, the hormones help to alter the uterine lining in order to inhibit implantation of a fertilized egg. Although copper IUDs also alter the endometrial lining and prevent implantation from occurring, the copper contained within the IUD works to increase the production of prostaglandins, hormones that help support a pregnancy.

 

To me, this accounts for the 0.00001% ineffectiveness.

I feel pretty confident in saying that the other 'effects' the various IUDs have would prevent fertilization in general - no point in gratifying the men whose swimmers actually made it into the 0.00001% pregnancy rate.

And yes, the 0.00001% is a guesstimate.  I'm able to admit that :)

I guess my main concern with the original 'reply' was that it was so blatantly 'anti abortion'.  The lack of respect that some have for a woman's right to choose what happens with her own body is just disgusting.  Being informed is one thing, being attacked for your list of choices is another.

Vallerie - posted on 11/19/2009

I believe it depends on the person. I have had an IUD twice once after my first child and now a second one. I luckily did not have severe spotting after it being placed and I very rarely spot if at all. It is uncomfortable when it is placed for a few minutes and then u have some back cramping...but I am pleased with it completely. Also, if the string is two long (such as your partner feeling it) you can go back in and they will cut it. I think it depends on the person. As far as the religious side that is up to u...

Leslie - posted on 11/19/2009

I use them..But that has been over 24 yrs ago..I didn't have any problems..was nice not having to take a daily pill..You just need to go in for Ck. ups to make sure it hasn't slipped..Especially if you feel discomfort ! Good luck

JOHANNA - posted on 11/19/2009

WELL HELLO!! I THINK HAVING AN IUD IS THE BEST THING EVER INVENTED!! I HAVE THE MIRENA. BCAUSE U DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MISSING A PILL A SHOT OR A PATCH. N THEN U DONT WORRY GETTING PREGO!!! AND IF U HAVE A BUSY SCHEDULE ITS THE PERFECT BIRTH CONTROL METHOD

Shelley - posted on 11/19/2009

Quoting Suzanne:

Anybody have any opinions on use of IUDs?

Looking to try IUD (Intra uterine device) for birth control. Haven't heard too much on this. Does anybody have any opinions or firsthand knowledge of using an IUD.

Love mine!!  I have the ParaGard IUD and couldn't imagine going back to another form of birth control.  ParaGard has no hormones, which is good for me because I have high blood pressure and which is triggered to increase when I was on the pill.  I also like the fact that you don't have to change the ParaGard for 10 years after it's insertion.  I would recommend talking to your OB/Gyn, but from my point of view, they're wonderful.

Patricia - posted on 11/19/2009

Yes, I have one (mirena) and I have had it for about a year and a half now... when it was placed it HURT... there is no way of me explaining this pain to you; but a couple days later it was fully worth it. Light periods and don't have to worry about getting pregnant! I have talked to a bunch of friends who have it.... either you love it or hate it... but I feel it is definately worth trying out!

Stacey - posted on 11/19/2009

I've had mine for 5mths n its the best thing ever. Not to have a period or remember taking a pill. Sometimes I spot after having sex but other then that I'm totally free of any periods. Its great!!!!

Natalie - posted on 11/19/2009

All I know is my friends sister got pregnant while using one of these so hmmm.... don't know can't say I've ever used one myself.... ask the doc mate

Abbi - posted on 11/19/2009

I have Mirena (cant remember how to spell it.) I have had it in for almost a year now and have had no problems. I was worried about getting it because of the horror stories you hear about IUDs and IUCs. But I have not had any spotting. just mild cramping at the time of my cycle.

Sharon - posted on 11/19/2009

I have an IUD in....its a none hormonal one that uses a very low dosage of copper to kill the spirm before they reach the eggs....it last 10 years. My doctor placed it in 8 months after my daughter was born because I couldn't use regular hormonal birthcontrol and I didn't want my tubes tied. Just in case I wanted another child.

Kristina - posted on 11/19/2009

I have the IUD Mirena. I have a 10 month old and have used the Mirena for 9 months and have not gotten pregnant. They say that the IUD works three different ways. One way is to stop the release of the egg from the ovary; another is to block sperm from reaching the egg; and finally to make the lining in the uterus thin.

Cynthia - posted on 11/19/2009

I know two people who have welcomed new babies after using this method

Stephanie - posted on 11/19/2009

I had the Mirena for 4 years. I have really heavy periods and over the 4 years they were nothing more than spotting. Problem was I spotted constantly. I may have had 1 week a month with no spotting.



I had the wire cut really short and my husband would still get poked. It wasn't the worst, just not for me.

Suzanne - posted on 11/19/2009

Quoting Tori:

Quoting Jessica:

Quoting Krista:

IUD's don't prevent pregnancy, they prevent the completion of pregnancy. The reason women experience irregular/excessive bleeding is because IUD's irritate the lining of the uterus which is what prevents a fertilized egg from becoming attached and coming to completion. IUD's are an abortificant NOT a preventative.

i'd love to see your credible medical source on this

 

 

I agree! Not once have I EVER heard that, & I looked into it because I myself am pro-life. If I so much as thought it was anything close to abortion I wouldn't have gotten it.

Ladies:  I don't know what it takes to be your 'credible' medical source, but here are a couple that are copied straight off the web, non-pro-life sources, when I Googled "iud contraceptive."

From:  WebMD.com

How it works

Both types of IUD prevent fertilization of the egg by damaging or killing sperm. The IUD also affects the uterine lining (where a fertilized egg would implant and grow).

From: Epigee.org

How Does it Work?
Both types of IUDs primarily work in the same fashion: by preventing the fertilization of an egg. While experts aren't exactly sure how, it is suspected that the IUD alters the movement of an egg or sperm making conception difficult. However, ovulation still occurs when you use an IUD.

IUDs that contain hormones also work by thicken a woman's cervical mucus thereby creating a natural barrier to sperm. As well, the hormones help to alter the uterine lining in order to inhibit implantation of a fertilized egg. Although copper IUDs also alter the endometrial lining and prevent implantation from occurring, the copper contained within the IUD works to increase the production of prostaglandins, hormones that help support a pregnancy.

Helen - posted on 11/19/2009

I have the Mirena, which is good for up to 5 years. I've had mine for a year and although some reports say your period can stop altogether, mine are somewhat erratic and be just spotting or an actual flow. There is a little "string" that dangles and my husband could feel it at first, but over time it softens. Bottom line? We both love it. To learn more about Mirena, check out mirena-us.com. Good luck!

Tori - posted on 11/19/2009

Quoting Jessica:

Quoting Krista:

IUD's don't prevent pregnancy, they prevent the completion of pregnancy. The reason women experience irregular/excessive bleeding is because IUD's irritate the lining of the uterus which is what prevents a fertilized egg from becoming attached and coming to completion. IUD's are an abortificant NOT a preventative.

i'd love to see your credible medical source on this

 

 

 

 

/sarcasm

I agree! Not once have I EVER heard that, & I looked into it because I myself am pro-life. If I so much as thought it was anything close to abortion I wouldn't have gotten it.

Tori - posted on 11/19/2009

I have one & I love it. I got pregnant with my daughter because I was always forgetting to take my pill. This is so easy & convienent. It is quite uncomfortable at first, just because your sore from the doctor putting it in. But after a couple days you don't notice it is there. The only complaint that I have with it, is sometimes my fiance will feel the strings when we are having sex. It's only happened a couple times though.

Jen - posted on 11/19/2009

I would recommend Mirena and have had mine for 2 years after giving birth to child number 2. Once I got it I never had a period again which is very nice. Just a few things to consider, did you spot when on other forms of birth control? If yes, you could spot on this one too. Also, if you get it and do not like it will your insurance pay for another form of birth control or no? Some won't due to the expense.

Alison - posted on 11/19/2009

I am surprised to see so many negative comments here. The thing with an IUD is that it is fabulous when it works well, but it's a mess when it doesn't. I was determined to try it out because despite some of the previous posts, Mirenah is the most effective form of BC there is.

As to the ethical debate, let's save that for another thread. Seriously.

Nicole - posted on 11/19/2009

I had the Mirena IUD for a year and I hated it. I had hives for a year on and off and they couldn't figure out why finally after narrowing it down it was the Mirena. I was all over the place mood wise and I would get angry really easy. Not to mention that I gained 30lbs just from having the IUD. I weighed more than I did with both pregnancies. Since taking it out the hives have gone away and stayed away. I have lost 35lbs. I don't have mood swings and I am a much nicer person. I did not have the spotting issue that some had but I did feel like I was pregnant. It was expensive but it was totally worth it to get it taken out. I am back on the pill and my husband is considering a vasectomy I would rather take my chances with the pill and condoms over an IUD. Overall since the Mirena came out I have been healthier and happier.